What should we make of the Bears’ decision to offer contract extensions to guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson?

Ben Johnson wants continuity on his offensive line.

Well, the Bears mostly have it now. Outside of left tackle, the Bears’ line, barring a major injury this year, is pretty much set for 2026. This may fall into the “give Caleb everything he needs” category, but it may also be an indicator that Johnson is looking beyond 2025 in terms of when the Bears may peak (assuming Caleb Williams is a legitimate QB).

The team has some cover for left tackle

If we can pencil in two solid seasons from Joe Thuney (Pro Bowl seasons would be a welcome surprise at his age), the Bears have some flexibility to try their hand at left tackle. Perhaps Braxton Jones benefits from some stability. If Kiran Amegadjie or Ozzy Trapilo is the starter on day one, the Bears have a veteran presence on the left side for multiple years to allow their new left tackle to learn and develop. The same applies if the Bears choose a left tackle in the ’26 draft.

The Bears are narrowing down their needs in the ’26 draft…for now at least

Setting aside the foolishness of talking about the ’26 draft before the ’25 season has commenced, the Bears may be able to focus on LT in the draft knowing that the rest of the line is set, with center/guard addressed in the ’27 draft.

Ben Johnson might really like Jackson and Thuney

We basically must hope this is the case. The contract extension for Jackson borders on lunacy – Jackson’s ’26 cap hit has been reported as the highest of any guard, having never come remotely closely to playing at such a stature. With that said, Jackson’s age makes him ripe for a contract extension that could reduce his cap hit in ’26.